Click the path name in the Paths panel to select it.
Last updated on
Oct 4, 2026
Organize, save, and configure vector paths through centralized panel controls for selection and editing workflows.
The Paths panel (Select Window > Paths) gives you complete control over vector paths in your document, whether you're managing selections, building vector masks, or organizing shapes.
The Paths panel displays three types of paths: saved paths that persist with your document, temporary work paths created during drawing, and vector mask paths linked to shape layers. Saved paths function as reusable selections or design elements, work paths capture in-progress drawing until saved, and vector masks define layer visibility.
Photoshop preserves paths in JPEG, JPEG 2000, DCS, EPS, PDF, and TIFF formats on Windows. On macOS, all available file formats support saved paths.
No prerequisites are required to complete these tasks.
Practice path management techniques in your own documents and explore the full range of Paths panel capabilities.
Select and deselect paths
Click in a blank area of the Paths panel or press Esc to deselect all paths.
Note
Only one path can be selected at a time in the Paths panel.
Adjust panel display options
Select Panel Options from the Paths panel menu.
Select a thumbnail size or choose None to disable thumbnails and improve performance.
Select OK.
Reorder saved paths
Select the path name in the Paths panel.
Drag the path up or down until a heavy black line appears at your target position.
Release to reposition the path.
Note
You cannot reorder vector masks or work paths—only saved paths can be repositioned.
Create and name paths
To create an unnamed path quickly, select the Create New Path
button at the bottom of the Paths panel.
To create and name a path, ensure no work path is selected, then choose New Path
from the Paths panel menu.
Enter a descriptive name in the New Path
dialog box.
Select OK.
Alt + click (Windows) or Option + click (macOS) the Create New Path
button to name the path during creation.
Draw work paths with tools
Work paths let you experiment with vector shapes before committing them as saved paths.
Select a shape tool or pen tool from the toolbar.
Select the Paths
button in the options bar to enable path drawing mode.
Configure tool-specific options such as stroke, fill, and alignment.
Draw your initial path on the canvas.
For detailed guidance on drawing techniques, see Draw with the Pen tools and Draw shapes.
Combine paths with area options
After drawing an initial path component, select a path area option from the options bar before drawing additional components. Choices:
- Add To Path Area: Unite overlapping regions
- Subtract From Path Area: Remove the new shape from existing areas
- Intersect Path Areas: Keep only overlapping regions
- Exclude Overlapping Path Areas: Remove overlap areas while keeping non-overlapping portions
Draw the next path component to apply the selected operation.
Tip
Hold Shift while drawing to temporarily enable Add to Path Area or hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) for Subtract from Path Area.
Configure path display settings
Select a pen or shape tool.
Select the gear
icon in the options bar.
Choose a path line color from the Color dropdown.
Set the Thickness value between 1 and 3 pixels.
Enable Rubber Band to preview path segments as you move the pointer between anchor points.
Select OK or click outside the options to apply your changes.
Tip
The Rubber Band preview helps you anticipate curve shapes before placing anchor points, making it easier to draw precise paths on the first attempt.
Save and rename paths
To save a work path without renaming, drag the Work Path entry to the Create New Path
button.
To save and assign a custom name, choose Save Path from the Paths panel menu.
Enter a descriptive name in the Save Path dialog box.
Select OK.
Rename existing paths
Double-click the path name in the Paths panel.
Type the new name.
Press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS).
Delete paths
Select the path name in the Paths panel.
Drag the path to the Delete icon at the bottom of the panel or select the Delete icon and confirm by choosing Yes.
Tip
Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) the Delete icon to remove a path without confirmation.
Note
Vector mask paths require different handling. To work with vector masks, see Add and edit vector masks
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